Griffin changes plea before murder trial

John Chad Griffin pled guilty Wednesday to the 2013 murder of David Stewart.

The change in plea was made as about three dozen prospective jurors awaited outside the Clark County Circuit Courtroom.

Using a 20-gauge shotgun, Griffin shot 36-year-old Stewart in the side of the head at 232 N. 13th St. on Jan. 16, 2013. The two had purchased a bottle of liquor at about 4 p.m. that afternoon and shared it; the murder happened at about8:43 that night.

The homeowner, Melissa French, called 911 after the shot was fired and fruitlessly attempted CPR on the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Griffin was intoxicated at the time of the murder, and said later that he didn't recall shooting Stewart.